Assistive Technology Assessment: Are Our Assessment Strategies Providing the Needed Information?
By Korsten, Jane; Closing the Gap, Vol. 26, No. 4Closing the Gap, Inc.
Publication Date: October/November 2007
Article offers a historical perspective on assistive-technology assessment, from being an expert-conducted, product-oriented event outside the targeted environment to a strategy implemented in the customary environment by a team which includes direct service providers as active participants. Recommendations are offered for a process-oriented AT assessment that determines student abilities and needs with respect to the tasks the student is expected to perform before any equipment is considered. Strategies available to support the assessment process reviewed are Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology (QIAT), offering quality indicators, intent statements, and common errors for areas important to the development and delivery of AT services; Assistive Technology Teams: Many Ways to Do It Well by D. DeCoste, a survey of AT teams across the country; and the SETT Framework by J. Zabala, an organizational tool that helps collaborative teams gather and analyze information to create a Student-centered, Environmentally useful, and Tasks-focused system of Tools fostering the educational success of students with disabilities. A list of resources recommended for gathering specific information needed to answer assessment questions is appended.
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
